According to GDR, the Global Data Review 40 Under 40 profiles "the 40 individuals who represent the best and the brightest of the data law." To choose the 40 recipients, GDR "contacted hundreds of law firms, asking them to present their best and brightest, alongside information about their case work and recommendations for three lawyers outside their firm" who could provide further testimony on the strengths of the nominees.

Hickman advises on all aspects of UK and EU privacy and data protection law, from general compliance issues, such as implementing privacy policies and consent forms, to more specialized issues, such as managing data breaches, structuring cross-border data transfers, and complying with the "right to be forgotten." Hickman has a detailed knowledge of the EU's General Data Protection Regulation, and co-authored White & Case's Handbook on that legislation. He has significant experience of working with a wide range of clients in the European Union, Asia and the United States.